In 1917, Eva Overstake was born in Decatur, Illinois. She and her sisters were born to Salvation Army workers and were originally known as the Overstake Sisters, before they were renamed "The Three Little Mermaids" as they were remembered on the National Barn Dance. She married fellow National Barn Dance star Red Foley in 1933, and became the mother of three daughters. One, Shirley, became Mrs. Pat Boone.
In
1919, Paul Rice of the Rice Brothers was born in Gainesville, Georgia.
It is said that Paul Rice actually wrote "You Are My Sunshine" and that
Jimmy Davis bought the song from him.
In 1940, country singer Johnny Darrell was born in Hopewell, Alabama. He was the first to record "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love To Town", written by Mel Tillis.
In
1943, Tony Joe White was born in Oak Grove, Louisiana. I wonder if he
still eats poke salad, with all his songwriting bucks.
In 1971, Allison Krauss, was born in Decatur, Illinois. This talented country and bluegrass performer is a longtime member of the Grand Ole Opry, and with Rhonda Vincent, is probably one of the two most influential female singers in country and bluegrass today.
In 1977, Alabama debuted on the charts with "I Want To Be With You Tonight".
In 1983, Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson went to Number One as a duo with the Townes Van Zandt written "Pancho and Lefty".
In 1988, Vern Gosdin scored another Number one with "Set 'Em Up Joe", a tribute to Ernest Tubb and his blockbuster hit, "Walkin' The Floor".
In 1994, Alan Jackson rode to the top of the charts with "Summertime Blues", originally cowritten and performed by Eddie Cochran.
